Benjamin Adekunle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Benjamin Adekunle
|
|
|---|---|
Brigadier Benjamin Adekunle
|
|
| General Officer Commanding 3 Infantry Division, Nigerian Army | |
| In office July 1967 – May 1969 |
|
| Succeeded by | Col. O. Obasanjo |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 26 June 1936 Kaduna, British Nigeria |
| Died | 13 September 2014 (aged 78) Lagos, Nigeria |
| Alma mater | Royal Military Academy Sandhurst |
| Nicknames | "The Black Scorpion" "Na Cinema" |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Nigeria |
| Branch/service |  Nigerian Army |
| Years of service | 1958–1974 |
| Rank |  Brigadier |
| Commands | 3 Marine Commando Division |
| Battles/wars | Congo Crisis
|
Benjamin Adesanya Maja Adekunle (born June 26, 1936 – died September 13, 2014) was a brave Nigerian Army officer. He became famous as a commander during the Nigerian Civil War. People knew him by his nickname, "The Black Scorpion," because of his strong and determined leadership.
Early Life and Military Training
Benjamin Adekunle was born in Kaduna, Nigeria. His father was from Ogbomosho, and his mother was from the Bachama people. He went to secondary school in Okene. After finishing school in 1958, he decided to join the Nigerian Army.
He passed the army tests and was sent to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom. This is a very famous place where officers are trained. He became a Second Lieutenant on December 15, 1960.
His first job was as a platoon commander. He served in the Congo as part of a United Nations peace-keeping mission. Later, in 1962, he became an Aide-de-Camp (a personal assistant) to the governor of the eastern region, Sir Akanu Ibiam. In 1964, he went to India for more military training at the Defence Services Staff College.
Leading in the Nigerian Civil War
When the Nigerian Civil War started in July 1967, Benjamin Adekunle was given a very important job. He was asked to lead a special group of soldiers. Their mission was to attack Bonny by sea. This was a big and risky operation.
After this successful attack, he was promoted to the rank of Colonel. His soldiers also helped to free the Midwest region after it was invaded. Colonel Adekunle realized his troops needed a special name. He decided to call his unit the "3 Marine Commando (3MCDO)." This name sounded more exciting and fit the tough areas where his soldiers had to fight.
He became one of the most well-known figures of the war. His nickname, "The Black Scorpion," became very famous. He led his troops with great courage and skill. His division captured many important towns and areas during the war.
After the War and Legacy
In 1972, Benjamin Adekunle was promoted to Brigadier. After the war ended, he was given another important task. He was put in charge of clearing up the Lagos port. At that time, many imported goods were stuck there, causing problems. He worked on this until he retired from the army on August 20, 1974.
Benjamin Adekunle was a very popular military commander. Many people, both in the army and among the public, admired him. He was known for his strong leadership and determination. He passed away on September 13, 2014, and was buried in Lagos.
